Labour Economics

COURSE TITLE:                      Labor Economics

COURSE CODE:                   HEC 323

CREDIT POINTS:                   15

PREREQUISTE:                      HEC 221: Intermediate Microeconomics

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a theoretical framework for understanding the workings of labour markets by applying the basic principles of labour economics. It covers the dimensions of labour supply and demand and their interaction in alternative market structures to explain levels of wages, employment and various employer/employee behaviours. Of particular interest are differences between union and non-union labour markets which are examined by illustrating the impact of union preferences, efficient contracts and bargaining theory.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this course, students can:

·         Understand the principles of labour economics and be able to apply them to the following:
-unemployment 
-inflation 
-hours of work and individual labour supply 
-investment in human capital 
-the demand for labour in competitive and non- competitive markets 
-labour supply 
-equilibrium in the labour market 
-unionized labour market actions, goals and motives 
-bargaining power, theories, processes and outcomes 
-differences in pay and benefits across different labour markets 

·         Create, interpret and analyse labour data in preparation for bargaining 

·         Describe types and models of discrimination within the workplace

 

CONTENTS

1.    Unemployment

2.    Labour Supply

3.    Labour Demand

4.    Labour Markets Equilibrium

5.    Compensating Wage Differentials  

6.    Human Capital

7. Unionized labour market actions, goals and motives 

 

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

Research and Presentations, Lecturing and tutoring, Team work, Case Studies and Guest lecture

ASSESSMENTS

Internal Assessments (Research assignments, projects, quizzes and tests) - 50%

External Assessments (Examination) -50%

EVALUATIONS

 Evaluation is formative and summative, evaluations includes observation of students’ progress, collecting data on the internal assessments and progresses, oral and written questionnaires. All findings will be evaluated and used to improve teaching and learning in this course.  

 

REFERENCES

Borjas, G.J. Labor Economics, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2013. and others 

Its great to have you on board !!!!!!

Cheers !!!

Ms Nombe